Hiding The Hate
“He who conceals his hatred has lying lips” Proverbs 10:18 – New International Version
We live in a world filled with hate. People who are opposed to one another over politics, religion, and even athletics spew venomous hatred at each other without a second’s hesistation. There seems to be no lack of this poison in modern society.
But there actually is something that may be worse, and here it is: hiding hatred. This has to do with insincerity, or smiling to someone’s face and then ripping their name to shreds when they exit the room. It happens a lot here in the southern part of America, where we value kindness, hospitality, and not saying what we really think. (Sorry, my fellow southerners, but it’s true.)
This little verse in Proverbs reminds us that feeling hatred on the inside and expressing kindness on the outside is an ungodly combination. Pretending to like somebody when we really can’t stand them makes us liars. I think we know what God thinks about anyone living a lie.
Does this mean, therefore, that we need to run around telling people that we hate them and hope they drive off a cliff somewhere? Nope. That’s the other extreme which is also to be avoided. What it means is that we have got to be real with people. We must be transparent about what we think and feel. After praying about our own hearts and attitudes, we need to be honest with others, and even willing to discuss our differences with them if necessary. If the difference is not earth-shattering, perhaps it can be overlooked. If, on the other hand, the difference is causing problems, it ought to be discussed in a productive manner that is toned by brotherly or sisterly love. The goal of this discussion is not to harp on the problem, but work towards an acceptable solution.
Here’s the bottom line: let’s all be honest with each other. This will keep bitterness out of our hearts, and will enable us to trust each other. Anything less than this will cause our relationships to fall short of what they could be.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Right on Uncle Dave.
After being in SB churches for the last 15 years I have come to the conclusion that many of us don’t want honesty. In fact there is an unspoken agreement that if you don’t take your mask off then neither will I. Everything appears to be good but the reality is that there is no evidence of the power of God at work.
Glad everything is going so well. Keep the news coming. By the way I can’t find your cell number. Keep the peace my man and tell L-Rod we send our best. Sieb.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Sieb I love you dude so true and honest.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Sieb –
You make a good point that reminds me of Jack Nicholson’s “You can’t handle the truth!” line from “A Few Good Men.” It’s true that if we ask for the truth, we better be ready to accept it and deal with it. I agree with you.
I will call you and give you my cell phone number.
Miss ya, pal.
David
October 27th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Dan -
We ate some good WINGS with Sieb at D’s didn’t we?! Enjoyed those lunch outings.
Hope you, your lovely wife, and cute little daughter are all doing well in the Tarheel State!
David
October 29th, 2009 at 6:47 AM
Thanks David, These are some great thoughts. Takes a lot of maturing on our part but what wonderfuf blessings I have reaped from this. I am praying for you.
Winfred
October 29th, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Thank you, Winfred, for all that you have done and continue to do for FBC Sebring. I have great respect for you and your ministry, and look forward to spending more time with you in the future. Also, thank you for taking the time to visit the blog. David
November 1st, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Dr. Richardson, we love your sermons and bible studies, you sure inspire
us all. We are praying daily for you and your family. We are sure the Lord
send you to us, because you are what FBC of Sebring needs, someone that is not afraid of stepping on toes,I’m sure God does not want us christians, to
go with the flow, like every one ealse is doing.
November 1st, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Carmen – Thank you so much for the encouraging words. They mean a lot. I am glad to be here at FBC Sebring. God brought us all together, I am convinced. Have a wonderful week. David